How do you top one cute baby at a photo shoot? Add his twin brother and make it a double! And that is exactly what i did when I photographed 4 month old twins, Kristian and Kurt at their beautiful lakefront home in Chelmsford, MA.

When I arrived the twins were hanging out with Grandma on their play mat and having a grand old time. When Mom arrived we headed into their bedroom to check out their cool adjoining cribs, and let them check out their handsome faces in the mirror. The were delighted with themselves! It was such a nice day out, that we decided to explore the great outdoors, first in their lakeview playpen, then on an awesome squishy beanbag. Dad came home just as we were finishing up on the porch, and we took the opportunity to get the whole family together in the backyard for their first formal family portrait. Even Bella, the family dog, got in on the shots. All of that photographing is a lot of work when you are only 4 months old, and a nap was in order. And none of the grown ups protested…

In all the time I’ve been doing this I’ve met all sorts of brides: excited brides, slightly nervous brides, and (of course) happy brides. But I don’t think I’ve ever met a happier bride than Katie, when she married Brian at St Rose of Lima Parish and Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, MA.

She arrived at Willowdale with smiles and hugs for everyone, and headed up to the bridal suite for a bite of lunch before donning her beautiful dress. After an emotional moment where she and her dad met, and everyone toasted the day, we spent a little time taking bridal portraits before she hopped into the Rolls Royce that carried her off to the St Rose of Lima Parish and her waiting Brian. The smiles and laughter continued throughout the ceremony where the packed house smiled along with Katie and Brian as they made things “official”. They paused just outside the church to greet their friends and family members, then we hopped int the Rolls for the short drive back to Willowdale.

With such an awesome car, we had to include it in a few photos. Then we wandered down by the river, where the late afternoon sun filtered through the trees by the lazily running river. After that there was nothing left but the party. And what a party it was. The dancing, the food…the Dancing!

Almost two years ago, I had the chance to meet little Abigail. She was brand new to the world, and ready to be in the spotlight. Her parents chose my “Year in the Life” package, and I spent her first year watching her grow. Now she has a little sister, Emma, and once again, I’ll be spending Emma’s first year watching her grow in front of the camera. Luckily, just like her big sis, Emma’s a natural!

When I arrived at their home, Emma was awake and happy to be hanging out. Abby was pretending to be shy, so we started by taking photos of Emma while big sis watched. By the time Dad finished reading a couple of books to them, Abby was ready to take her turn, and we spent some time taking her photos, first in the play room, then up in their respective bedrooms. It was so nice outside, that we really wanted to take advantage of the beautiful day. We headed into the back yard, where Emma took a little nap, and Abby showed me her new play castle. A family cuddle on the front steps was the perfect way to finish out the session.

Erica and Carl have packed a lot into 2013…from playing a Carnegie Hall to earning Doctorate degrees, to getting married, at a beautiful little seaside town in Nahant MA. And I got to be there for one of the three!

Erica and her bridesmaids arrived at Nahant Country Club all made up and ready to get dressed up. After a quick bite everyone fled into separate rooms and came out dressed to kill…or at least dressed to celebrate an amazing wedding! As this was happening upstairs, the guys gathered downstairs to add the finishing touches to their haberdashery, then we all walked together to the St Thomas Aquinas church to join the guests awaiting the ceremony that would forever join Erica and Carl. Erica arrived, and they both said “I do” to the smiles of the attending friends and family. Then we headed down to the beach to take advantage of the amazing late afternoon light, and give the newlyweds a couple of minutes together before they joined the celebration.

Back at the Nahant Country Club, the party was starting to take off when we arrived back from the beach, and we were all too happy to join in. After a few heartfelt toasts and a delicious meal, the dance floor opened up…and I’m not sure it has ever seen a more enthusiastic group of celebrants as Erica and Carl’s friends and families brought out their best dance moves.

Saturday marked a milestone in my business: it was my 200th wedding as a primary photographer! And I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding to celebrate it than the elegant and modern event that Adriana and Pierce pulled off at Dante Restaurant at the Royal Sonesta in Cambridge, MA.

The bridesmaids were getting ready at the home of Adriana’s Mom in Ashland, MA, and my perfectly timed arrival found the bride just sitting down in the makeup chair. That gave me a few minutes to capture the various details surrounding her beautiful attire, and to photograph the bridal best friends (in their matching bathrobes), hanging out together in the pre-wedding calm. The calm gave way to well ordered urgency as Adriana headed upstairs to get dressed, then took a few moments with me for bridal portraits.

Meanwhile, the guests were beginning to arrive at St Paul’s Eliscopal Church in nearby Natick, MA. They didn’t have long to wait as the stretch limousine arrived bringing the Adriana to join her groom at the altar. In an emotional ceremony, Adriana and Pierce laughed and cried their way through their nuptials, and emerged as the newly minted Juckett family. After a brief pause in the choir loft (where Pierce discovered the bell rope, and announced his happy news with joyful ringing), the happy couple headed outside where a flock of doves was released to bear the well wishes of the crowd up to the heavens.

After a ceremony like that, an appropriate chariot was needed to bear the Mr. and Mrs. into Boston, and the Rolls Royce hired for the occasion was just the ticket! A nice drive brought us to The Royal Sonesta, where, after a few photos with the couple and their families, the party was ready to begin. Pierce is a chef, and Dante Restaurant lent itself to the mountains of amazing food that was served all evening. The feast provided the fuel for the dancing…enough fuel, so that the party was still in full swing, when I bowed out at 11:00.